Method, Apparatus, and System for a Low-Profile Computer Adapter Card Retainer Plunger

ABSTRACT

A method, apparatus, and system are disclosed for a planar adapter card retainer bracket that is removably attachable to a computer chassis and is formed with a plurality of plunger openings. Each plunger opening is configured to receive a respective adapter card retainer plunger. The adapter card retainer plunger is configured to extend from the bracket into the computer chassis to engage an edge of an adapter card thereby retaining the adapter card in a selected slot even if the adapter card is a low-profile adapter card.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The subject matter disclosed herein relates to retaining computeradapter cards and more particularly relates to retaining low-profileadapter cards within a computer chassis.

2. Description of the Related Art

A computer chassis (sometimes referred to as a computer tower, computerenclosure, or computer case) is an enclosure that houses the maincomponents of a computer such as the motherboard, power supply, adaptercards, disk drives, etc. A computer chassis may come in various sizesand orientations. For example, in some instances a very small chassismay be desired due to space limitations and may be oriented to standvertically. In other instances, a larger chassis may be desired toenable the addition of more components and may orient horizontally,perhaps to lie beneath a monitor or display device.

Typically, a computer chassis is configured with a number of slotopenings, usually at the rear of the chassis, to receive components suchas graphics cards, network cards, modem cards, or other types ofexpansion adapter cards. The slot openings of the computer chassis areconfigured to line up with expansion slots of the mother board housed bythe computer chassis. Thus, the slot openings of the chassis and theexpansion slots of the mother board may receive and retain an adaptercard in position to communicate with the computer system.

Today, adapter cards are provided in different sizes and configurationsto fit into the different sizes and types of computer chassis. Forexample, some adapter cards are low-profile adapter cards which meansthey are shorter than standard adapter cards, and thus can fit into asmaller computer chassis than is possible for standard sized adaptercards. A low profile standard has even been defined for PCI cards sothat vendors can ensure compatibility between smaller chassis designsand low profile adapter cards. However, even though low profile adaptercards are smaller in size/height, they may still be used with largerchassis designs.

Often with conventional computer systems, the chassis or a chassis coveror wall helps to retain the adapter cards in their installed expansionslot position. For example, the height of a standard card may extend to,or almost to, a chassis cover such that the adapter card cannot move ina direction to disengage from its mother board expansion slot. However,one problem with the conventional art, particularly with the use of lowprofile adapter cards and even some standard adapter cards, is that theymay not reach the chassis wall or may not reach conventional retentionmechanisms. Therefore, the adapter cards may become disengaged from themother board during shipping or handling of the computer chassis.

Another problem with conventional computer systems is that conventionalchassis walls and covers do not sufficiently distribute static anddynamic loads from the center of a chassis to the sustaining membersthat support the chassis and provide it rigidity and protection. Forexample, if a force was exerted against the side cover of a chassisduring shipping, it's likely that the force will be transferred toadapter cards that extend to the chassis wall, rather than to thestructural support members of the chassis. This force transfer canresult in damage to the adapter cards and even to the mother board orother components.

Another problem found in conventional systems is that installation ofadapter cards and the like requires the use of tools such as ascrewdriver to secure an adapter card bracket to a computer chassis. Therequirement of tools prevents the possibility of tool-less installationand retention of adapter cards that would reduce the difficulty andincrease the efficiency of adapter card installation.

SUMMARY

Based on the foregoing discussion, the inventors have recognized a needfor a method, apparatus, and system that would solve the unresolvedproblems of the conventional art described above. The embodimentsdescribed herein have been developed in response to the present state ofthe art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in theart that have not yet been fully solved by currently available computerchassis and adapter card retainer mechanisms. Accordingly, embodimentshave been developed to provide a method, apparatus, and system forretaining adapter cards that overcome many or all of the above-discussedshortcomings in the art.

The apparatus is provided with an adapter card retainer plungercomprising a first edge configured to removably attach to a plungeropening of an adapter card retainer bracket and a second edge configuredto engage an edge of an adapter card within a chassis to securelymaintain the adapter card in a fixed position with respect to thechassis. In one embodiment, the adapter card is a low-profile adaptercard.

A system is also presented. The system may be embodied to include achassis configured to house one or more adapter cards, an adapter cardretainer bracket having a plurality of plunger openings formed therein,and the adapter card retainer plunger described above in its variousembodiments. In one embodiment, the chassis comprises a z axis from thebottom to a top of the chassis and an x axis orthogonal to the z axis,and wherein a width of the chassis along a y axis orthogonal to the xand z axes is in the range of 12.5 to 13.34 centimeters.

A method is presented for forming an adapter card retainer plunger. Inone embodiment, the method includes the steps necessary to provide theapparatus and system described above. In one embodiment, the methodincludes forming an adapter card retainer plunger comprising a firstedge configured to removably attach to a plunger opening of an adaptercard retainer bracket and a second edge configured to engage an edge ofan adapter card within a chassis to securely maintain the adapter cardin a fixed position with respect to the chassis.

The method also may also include forming an attachment protrusionextending from the first edge of the adapter card retainer plunger andconfigured to slidably attach to a narrow side of the plunger opening ofthe adapter card retainer bracket. The attachment protrusion comprises anarrow neck portion and a head portion, wherein the narrow neck portionis narrower than the head portion of the attachment protrusion. Infurther embodiment, the method includes forming an engagement tabextending from the first edge of the adapter card retainer plungerconfigured to engage an edge of a wide side of the plunger opening, theengagement tab aligning with the attachment protrusion.

References throughout this specification to features, advantages, orsimilar language do not imply that all of the features and advantagesmay be realized in any single embodiment. Rather, language referring tothe features and advantages is understood to mean that a specificfeature, advantage, or characteristic is included in at least oneembodiment. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similarlanguage, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily,refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics ofthe embodiments may be combined in any suitable manner. One skilled inthe relevant art will recognize that the embodiments may be practicedwithout one or more of the specific features or advantages of aparticular embodiment. In other instances, additional features andadvantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not bepresent in all embodiments.

These features and advantages of the embodiments will become more fullyapparent from the following description and appended claims, or may belearned by the practice of the embodiments as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the advantages of the embodiments will be readilyunderstood, a more particular description of the embodiments brieflydescribed above will be rendered by reference to specific embodimentsthat are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that thesedrawings depict only some embodiments and are not therefore to beconsidered to be limiting of scope, the embodiments will be describedand explained with additional specificity and detail through the use ofthe accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view illustrating one embodiment of an adapter cardretainer bracket;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a computerchassis with an adapter card retainer bracket installed;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of anattachment mechanism of a adapter card retainer bracket;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of anotherattachment mechanism of a adapter card retainer bracket;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of an adaptercard retainer plunger;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of an adaptercard retainer bracket with an adapter card retainer plunger installed;

FIG. 7 a is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of aninstallation procedure for attaching an adapter card retainer plunger toan adapter card retainer bracket;

FIG. 7 b is a top view of a plunger opening configured to receive anadapter card retainer plunger;

FIG. 8 a is a schematic flow chart diagram illustrating one embodimentof a method for forming an adapter card retainer bracket; and

FIG. 8 b is schematic flow chart diagram illustrating one embodiment ofa method for forming an adapter card retainer plunger.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “anembodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature,structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodimentis included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases“in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughoutthis specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the sameembodiment, but mean “one or more but not all embodiments” unlessexpressly specified otherwise. The terms “including,” “comprising,”“having,” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to,”unless expressly specified otherwise. An enumerated listing of itemsdoes not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive,unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the”also refer to “one or more” unless expressly specified otherwise.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics ofthe embodiments may be combined in any suitable manner. In the followingdescription, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples ofprogramming, software modules, user selections, network transactions,database queries, database structures, hardware modules, hardwarecircuits, hardware chips, etc., to provide a thorough understanding ofembodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however,that embodiments may be practiced without one or more of the specificdetails, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. Inother instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are notshown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of anembodiment.

References throughout this specification to features or similar languagedo not imply that all of the features and advantages may be realized inany single embodiment. Rather, language referring to the features andadvantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, orcharacteristic is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, discussionof the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout thisspecification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features and characteristics of theembodiments may be combined in any suitable manner. One skilled in therelevant art will recognize that the embodiments may be practicedwithout one or more of the specific features or advantages of aparticular embodiment. In other instances, additional features andadvantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not bepresent in all embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a side view illustrating one embodiment of an adapter cardretainer bracket 100. The adapter card retainer bracket 100 is asubstantially rigid bracket that is configured to attach to a computerchassis to transfer static and dynamic loads from the chassis centerarea to outside sustaining members and to retain adapter cards inposition regardless of adapter card heights. FIG. 2 is a perspectiveview illustrating one embodiment of a computer chassis 200 with theadapter card retainer bracket 100 attached to it.

In one embodiment, the adapter card retainer bracket 100 is constructedout of metal, metal alloys, or other substantially rigid materials suchas rigid plastics. In one embodiment, the adapter card retainer bracket100 is constructed from the same material as is constructed a computerchassis 200 to which the bracket 100 will be attached. In a furtherembodiment, the adapter card retainer bracket 100 is substantiallyplanar such that when attached to a computer chassis 200, a cover orother case element fits over the adapter card retainer bracket 100.

The rigidity of the adapter card retainer bracket 100 enables thebracket 100 to span a computer chassis 200 and to transfer loads fromthe adapter card retainer bracket 100 to the computer chassis 200. Forexample, during shipping or movement of the computer chassis, a side ofthe computer chassis 200 may get knocked or struck by an object orforce. In a conventional computer chassis, those forces may betransferred to adapter cards or other computer components next to thechassis wall cover which may result in damage to the computercomponents. The adapter card retainer bracket 100 attaches to thesupports 214 of the computer chassis 200 and transfers impact energyfrom the side of the chassis 200 to the support members 214 so that thecomputer components within the chassis 200 are protected.

In one embodiment, the adapter retainer bracket 100 includes a first end102 and a second end 104. In a further embodiment, the first end 102 ofthe adapter retainer bracket 100 has a first set of attachment devices106 that are configured to attach the first end 102 of the adapter cardretainer bracket 100 to a first side of a chassis 204. In yet a furtherembodiment, the second end 104 of the adapter retainer bracket 100 alsohas a second set of attachment devices 108 that are configured to attachthe second end 104 of the adapter retainer bracket 100 to a second side206 of the chassis 200. In one embodiment, the first and second set ofattachment devices 106, 108 enable the adapter retainer bracket 100 tobe installed flush with the support members 214 of the adapter retainerbracket 100. Thus, a cover over the chassis will not be inhibited by anyprotrusions or the like from the adapter retainer bracket 100.

In some embodiments, the first and second sets of attachment devices106, 108 may be the same or similar devices such as u-tabs, clips,fasteners or the like. As depicted, the first set of attachment devices106 are configured with a pronged hook design that allows a hook to beattached to a rear support member 214 of the chassis while allowingminimum chassis depth and tool-less attachment. (See FIG. 3 anddiscussion below regarding the pronged hook attachment devices). In suchan embodiment, the first set of attachment devices include at least onetab 106 (FIG. 3) extending from the first end of the adapter retainerbracket 100 and configured to engage a receiving slot formed in thefirst side (rear side) of the chassis.

Similarly, in the depicted embodiment, the second set of attachmentdevices 108 are configured to attach the second end 104 of the adaptercard retainer bracket 100 to the second side 206 of the chassis 200 andmay include at least one receptor tab 108 (see FIG. 4) extending fromthe second end 104 of the adapter card retainer bracket 100. Asdepicted, the receptor tab 108 is configured to receive at least oneflexible protruding tab from the second side 206 of the chassis 200. Ina further embodiment, the receptor tab 108 includes at least one edge110 configured to lockably engage the flexible protruding tab in a fixedposition.

In one embodiment, the adapter card retainer bracket 100 is formed witha plurality of plunger openings 112 (FIG. 1), wherein each plungeropening 112 is configured to receive a respective adapter card retainerplunger. (See FIG. 7 and the text below for a description of an adaptercard retainer plunger). The plunger openings 112 are formed to match ashape of the adapter card retainer plunger. In the depicted embodiment,each plunger opening 112 is formed with a wide side 114 and a narrowside 116. The narrow side 116 is formed to be slightly narrower than thewide side 114 so that an attachment protrusion extending from theadapter card retainer plunger can slidably attach to the narrow side 116of the opening 112. The wide side 114 may be configured to engage anengagement tab of the adapter card retainer plunger as will be discussedin detail below.

In one embodiment, the narrow side 116 of each of the plunger openings112 is formed with a tapered edge 702 (FIG. 7 a) so that when anattachment protrusion is slid into position, the attachment protrusionis flush with the face of the adapter card retainer bracket 100. Ofcourse, in other embodiments, the plunger openings 112 may be formed indifferent shapes to accommodate different types of attachmentmechanisms.

In one embodiment, the plunger openings 112 are formed in an alignedpattern, as depicted in FIG. 1, and are spaced such that each plungeropening 112 corresponds with a potential adapter card location 216-226in the chassis 200 when the bracket 100 is attached to the chassis 200.(FIG. 2) Chassis slots are also typically aligned with adapter cardlocations on a motherboard installed in the chassis 200. A typicalmotherboard has slots, sometimes called expansion slots, which receiveadapter cards 202 such as graphics cards, sound cards, network cards, orthe like. The slots are typically spaced on the motherboard accordingpredefined industry standards.

In the depicted embodiment, the plunger openings 112 are configured toalign with motherboard expansion slots and chassis slots such that if anadapter card retainer plunger is attached to a plunger opening 112, theplunger will align with an edge of an adapter card 202 as installed in acorresponding expansion slot and chassis slot. An edge of the plungermay contact an edge of the adapter card 202 to prevent movement of theadapter card 202 in a direction away from its corresponding motherboardslot. In this way, the plunger acts to retain the adapter card in aselected expansion slot, regardless of the height of the adapter cardeven if the chassis experiences significant rattling, knocking, orvibration forces. The plunger size may be adjusted to correspond todifferent card heights, so that cards of any height allowed by thechassis specification may be retained and protected.

In one embodiment, the adapter card retainer bracket 100 may be formedwith one or more exhaust openings 118 configured to exhaust heat fromany adapter cards installed within the chassis. In particular, adaptercards such as graphics card adapters may generate excessive heat that,if confined, may result in component failure. The exhaust opening 118provides a path for heat and exhaust air to escape or expand, therebyreducing pressure buildup, reducing component temperatures, and alteringan acoustic profile of the adapter cards. In some embodiments, theexhaust opening 118 allows for various connectors such as scalable linkinterface (“SLI”) connectors which enable to two are more adapter cardsto be connected together.

In some embodiments, the adapter card retainer bracket 100 may be formedwith one or more cable openings 120 configured to provide a path throughthe adapter card retainer bracket 100 configured to route cables withinthe chassis. Particularly in a chassis with smaller dimensions, spacefor cable routing may be limited, and the depicted openings 120 providea routing path for cables, including cables to and from adapter cardsinstalled in the chassis. In some embodiments, indentions or depressions(not shown) may be formed into a face of the adapter card retainerbracket 100 to further facilitate the routing of cables within thechassis. In one embodiment, the cable openings 120 and any cable routingchannels are formed so that a chassis cover may the adapter cardretainer bracket 100 without encountering resistance from any protrudingcables or cords.

In one specific embodiment, the adapter card retainer bracket 100 may beformed with a plurality of fan bracket tabs 122 configured to engage andretain a fan bracket within the chassis. The fan bracket tabs 122 aremay be formed integrally with the adapter card retainer bracket 100 andare flexible such that when the adapter card retainer bracket 100 isattached to the chassis, the flexible fan bracket tabs apply a retainingforce against a fan bracket.

The adapter card retainer bracket 100, in one embodiment, is formed witha plurality of retainer tabs 124 protruding from the first end 102 ofthe adapter card retainer bracket 100. The retainer tabs 124 are spacedsuch that each retainer tab 124 corresponds with a potential adaptercard location 216-226 in the chassis 200. In one embodiment, eachretainer tab 124 is configured to engage an adapter card installationbracket 228. (FIG. 2). As will be recognized by those of skill in theart, adapter cards are typically provided with an adapter card bracketthat engages the computer chassis and fills a computer chassis slotopening. Conventionally, the adapter card brackets are secured to thechassis by way of a small screw or fastener.

The retainer tabs 124 allow for tool-less installation of adapter cards202 as the retainer tabs 124 may act to engage and secure the adaptercard brackets 228 to the chassis 200. In one embodiment, the retainertabs 124 may be used in addition to other securing mechanisms such asscrews or the like. In operation, as the adapter card retainer bracket100 is attached to the chassis 200, the retainer tabs 124 align with andengage an edge of any installed adapter card installation brackets 228.Securing the adapter card retainer bracket 100 in position by way of thefirst and/or second set of attachment devices 106, 108 also secures anyadapter cards 202 and their corresponding brackets 228 into position aswell. The result is a tool-less installation and removal of adaptercards 202.

FIG. 2 is simplified for ease of discussion, and in some embodiments,the chassis 200 may be configured to include numerous additionalcomputer components such as a motherboard, a power supply, a hard diskdrive, an optical drive, etc. For example, the chassis 200 may housemotherboard that is compliant with an Advanced Technology Extended (ATX)form factor, or alternatively, with a Balanced Technology Extended (BTX)form factor. As depicted, an adapter card 202 is configured in thechassis 200, and it aligns with one of the plunger openings 112 formedinto the adapter card retainer bracket 100.

The chassis 200 may be designed in different sizes, materials, andconfigurations, and the adapter card retainer bracket 100 is formed toaccommodate the selected size and configuration of the chassis 200. Forexample, some computer chassis are oriented vertically and some areoriented horizontally. A chassis 200 may be made out of variousmaterials such as steel, aluminum, plastic, or the like. Further,chassis 200 are typically provided in many different sizes known as formfactors. Rack-mounted chassis are typically described in terms of rackunits or “U” which refer to the height of equipment intended formounting in the rack. The size of a piece of rack mounted equipment isfrequently described in terms of 1 U, 2 U, 3 U, etc., where each U is amultiple of 1.75 inches (4.445 cm) or one rack unit “U”.

As depicted, the chassis 200 has a z axis 208 that extends from a firstend 204 to a second end 206, and an x axis 210 that is orthogonal to thez axis 208, or from the depicted bottom (may not be the bottom in someconfigurations) extends to the depicted top of the chassis 200. A y axis212 that is orthogonal to both the x axis 210 and the z axis 208 definesa width (or thickness) of the chassis 200. In one embodiment, the widthof the chassis 200 along the y axis 212 in the range of 12.5 to 13.34centimeters (4.92 inches to 5.5 inches). The width of the chassis may beselected to minimize its volume while still being able to hold full-sizeadapter cards and the like. Of course, other design constraints may beconsidered as well. In a further embodiment, the width is defined in adirection 212 that is substantially orthogonal to the adapter cardretainer bracket 100 and parallel to the installed adapter card 202 thatis in the range of 12.5 to 13.34 centimeters (4.92 inches to 5.5inches).

Full-size adapter cards, such as PCI cards, have a height of about 10.67centimeters (4.2 inches). However, other card sizes are available suchas half-height cards or “low-profile cards”, which have a height ofabout 3.61 centimeters (1.42 inches). In one embodiment, the chassis 200is configured to accept cards of varying heights including bothfull-size adapter cards and low-profile adapter cards, and the adaptercard retainer bracket 100 is configured to simultaneously accommodatethe varying card sizes. In the depicted embodiment, the height of theadapter card 202 is measured in the same direction 212 as the width ofthe chassis 200. For example, the adapter card 202 may be attached to anexpansion slot of a motherboard attached vertically to the back wall ofthe chassis 200. Thus, an adapter card 202 attached to the motherboardwould extend in the y direction 212 towards the attached adapter cardretainer bracket 100.

In the depicted embodiment, the adapter card retainer bracket 100 isattached to a first end 204 of the chassis 200 and to a second end 206of the chassis using the first and second sets of attachment devices106, 108. The adapter card retainer bracket 100 may be configured toconform to specific chassis height requirements along the x axis 210 orz axis 208. For example, the adapter card retainer bracket 100 may beprovided with a 1 U, 2 U, 3 U, or other rack unit height as needed.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of the firstset of attachment mechanisms 106 of the adapter card retainer bracket100. As depicted, the chassis 200 has receiving slots 302 formed thereinto receive the tabs 106 extending from the first end of the adapter cardretainer bracket 100. In this embodiment, the tabs 106 are formed aspronged hooks to tie the adapter card retainer bracket 100 to thechassis 200. The pronged hook tabs 106 slide into the receiving slots302 to engage the chassis wall or support members 214 thereby increasingthe strength of the chassis 200 and enabling loads to be distributedfrom the adapter card retainer bracket 100 to the chassis 200 supportmembers 214.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of anotherattachment mechanism 108 for attaching an adapter card retainer bracket100 to the chassis 200. As depicted, the adapter card retainer bracket100 uses two different types of attachment mechanisms 106, 108. However,it is contemplated that in some embodiments similar attachmentmechanisms may be used for both the first end 102 and second end 104 ofthe adapter card retainer bracket 100. Of course, other types ofattachment devices as recognized by those of skill in the art may alsobe used in various embodiments.

In the depicted embodiment, the attachment devices 108 are configured toattach the second end 104 of the adapter card retainer bracket 100 tothe second side 206 of the chassis 200. The attachment devices 108include a receptor tab 402 extending from the second end 104 of theadapter card retainer bracket 100 and configured to receive a flexibleprotruding tab 404 from the second side 104 of the chassis 200. In oneembodiment, the receptor tab 402 includes at least one edge configuredto lockably engage the flexible protruding tab 402 in a fixed position.

In this manner, the adapter card retainer bracket 100 is secured to thechassis 200 in a tool-less fashion. It is contemplated that someembodiments may use additional attachment devices such as screws, bolts,and the like that may require tools for fastening.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of an adaptercard retainer plunger 500. As depicted, the adapter card retainerplunger 500 has a first edge 502 configured to removably engage aplunger opening 112 (FIG. 1) of the adapter card retainer bracket 100.The adapter card retainer plunger 500 also has a second edge 504configured to engage an edge of an adapter card 202 within the chassis200. The second edge 504 may be configured as a flat surface in oneembodiment. In other embodiments, the second edge may be configured withindentations or the like that conform to the shape of the adapter card202 edge. For example, a slot may be formed into the second edge 504 forreceiving the adapter card 202.

In some embodiments, the adapter card retainer plunger 500 is made froma material such as plastic, rubber, or the like. The adapter cardretainer plunger 500 may be provided in various sizes and shapes tocorrespond to the plunger openings 112 and to reach a predefineddistance from the adapter card retainer bracket 100 to the edge of theadapter card 202. When attached to the installed adapter card retainerbracket 100, the adapter card retainer plunger 500 acts to retain theadapter card 202 into its expansion slot #, by providing a barrieragainst movement at the edge of the adapter card 202 in a direction awayfrom the expansion slot. In one embodiment, the adapter card retainerplunger 500 is sized to engage an edge of a low-profile adapter card.

In the FIG. 5 embodiment, the adapter card retainer plunger 500 includesan attachment protrusion 506 extending from the first edge 502 of theadapter card retainer plunger 500. The attachment protrusion 506 isconfigured to slidably attach to a narrow side 116 (FIG. 1) of a plungeropening 112. The attachment protrusion 506 may include a narrow neckportion 508 and a head portion 510, wherein the narrow neck portion 508is narrower than the head portion 510 of the attachment protrusion 506.This enables the narrow neck portion 508 to slide into the narrow side116 of a plunger opening 112 to removably retain the adapter cardretainer plunger in a substantially fixed position in relation to theadapter card retainer bracket 100.

The adapter card retainer plunger 100, in one embodiment, may include anengagement tab 512 extending from the first edge 502 of the plunger 500.The engagement tab 512 is configured to engage an edge of a wide side114 (FIG. 1) of the plunger opening 112. In one embodiment, theengagement tab 512 is substantially flexible with respect to theattachment protrusion 506 such that compression of the engagement tab512 causes a retaining force to be applied to the edge of the wide side114 of the plunger opening 112 if the adapter card retainer plunger 500is attached to the adapter card retainer bracket 100. In the depictedembodiment, the engagement tab 512 flexibly moves toward the attachmentprotrusion 506 to facilitate attachment of the plunger 500 to theadapter card retainer bracket 100.

In one embodiment, the attachment protrusion 506 and engagement tab 512are configured such that if the adapter card retainer plunger 500 isattached to the adapter card retainer bracket 100, the attachmentprotrusion 506 and engagement tab 512 are substantially flush with theadapter card retainer bracket 100 surface.

In one embodiment, the first edge 502 of the adapter card retainerplunger 500 is formed with a slit 514 that separates the attachmentprotrusion 506 and the engagement tab 512. The slit 514 further enablesthe flexible movement of the engagement tab 512.

As depicted the second edge 504 of the adapter card retainer plunger 500is opposite the first edge 502 and is configured to reach a predefineddistance 516 from the first edge 502 of the adapter card retainerplunger 500. In one embodiment, the predefined distance 516 correspondsto a distance from the adapter card retainer bracket 100 to the edge ofthe adapter card 202 (FIG. 2). As noted, the adapter card retainerplunger 500 may be formed in different sizes and heights so that adaptercards 202 of different heights may be accommodated.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view as seen from the left side of FIG. 2illustrating one embodiment of an adapter card retainer bracket 100 withan adapter card retainer plunger 500 installed. The adapter cardretainer plunger 500 is attached to the adapter card retainer bracket100 and extends (as seen through the exhaust opening 118) to the edge ofthe adapter card 202. The adapter card 202 is attached to an expansionslot 602 that is aligned with the plunger opening 512 and to secondplunger edge 504. The second plunger edge 504 engages and retains theadapter card 202 in the expansion slot 512 by extending from the adaptercard retainer bracket 100 into the chassis 200 a certain distance 516 toengage the edge of the adapter card 202. Thus, even if the adapter card202 is a low-profile adapter card or the like, it is retained inposition by the adapter card retainer plunger 500 extending into thechassis 200 in a direction illustrated as downward in FIG. 6.

FIG. 7 a is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of aninstallation procedure 700 a for attaching an adapter card retainerplunger 500 to an adapter card retainer bracket 100. As depicted, theattachment protrusion 506 is placed into the wide side 114 of theplunger opening 112, and then is slid into the narrow side 116 of theplunger opening 112. The engagement tab 112 is then compressed andplaced into the wide side 116 of the plunger opening 112 to engage theedge of the plunger opening 112. The compression of the engagement tab512 results in a retaining force being applied to the edge of theplunger opening 112. In this manner, the depicted plunger 500 issecurely attached to the adapter card retainer bracket 100.

FIG. 7 b is a top view of a plunger opening 112 a configured to receivean adapter card retainer plunger 500. As depicted the plunger opening112 a shows the plunger opening 112 a with a tapered edge 702 around thenarrow side 116 of the opening. The plunger opening 112 b shows theplunger opening 112 b with the adapter card retainer plunger 500installed therein.

The schematic flow chart diagrams of FIGS. 8 a, 8 b are generally setforth as logical flow chart diagrams. As such, the depicted order andlabeled steps are indicative of one embodiment of the presented method.Other steps and methods may be conceived that are equivalent infunction, logic, or effect to one or more steps, or portions thereof, ofthe illustrated method. Additionally, the format and symbols employedare provided to explain the logical steps of the method and areunderstood not to limit the scope of the method. Although various arrowtypes and line types may be employed in the flow chart diagrams, theyare understood not to limit the scope of the corresponding method.Indeed, some arrows or other connectors may be used to indicate only thelogical flow of the method. For instance, an arrow may indicate awaiting or monitoring period of unspecified duration between enumeratedsteps of the depicted method. Additionally, the order in which aparticular method occurs may or may not strictly adhere to the order ofthe corresponding steps shown.

FIG. 8 a is a schematic flow chart diagram illustrating one embodimentof a method 800 a for forming an adapter card retainer bracket 100. Themethod begins by forming 802 a planar bracket. Next, a plurality ofplunger openings 112 is formed 804 into the bracket 100. In oneembodiment, the forming 802, 804 of the bracket 100 and the openings isperformed simultaneously.

The method 800 a may also include steps for forming the adapter retainercard bracket 100 described above including the various disclosedembodiments and implementations. For example, the method 800 a mayinclude forming a first end 102 and a second end 104, the first end 102having a first set of attachment devices 106 configured to attach thefirst end 102 of the bracket 100 to a first side 204 of a chassis 200.The second end 104 is formed with a second set of attachment devices 108configured to attach the second end 104 of bracket 100 to a second side206 of the chassis 200.

In one embodiment, the first set of attachment devices 106 are formedwith at least one tab 106 extending from the first end 102 of theadapter card retainer bracket 100 and configured to engage a receivingslot 302 formed in the first side 204 of the chassis 200. The second setof attachment devices 108 may include at least one receptor tab 402extending from the second end 104 of the adapter card retainer bracket100 and configured to receive at least one flexible protruding tab 404from the second side 206 of the chassis 200. The receptor tab 402 mayinclude at least one edge configured to lockably engage the flexibleprotruding tab 404 in a fixed position

FIG. 8 b is schematic flow chart diagram illustrating one embodiment ofa method 800 for forming an adapter card retainer plunger 500. [Thisparagraph essentially summarizes a *manufacturing* process but thefollowing sentence summarizes an *operational* process.]

The method 800 b substantially includes the steps to carry out thefunctions presented above with respect to the operation of the describedadapter card retainer bracket 100 and adapter card retainer plunger 500.In one embodiment, the method 800 b begins by forming 806 an adaptercard retainer plunger 500 having a first edge 502 that is configured toremovably attach to a plunger opening 112 of an adapter card retainerbracket 100. The adapter card retainer plunger 500 is formed 806 with asecond edge 504 configured to engage an edge of an adapter card 202within a chassis 202 to securely maintain the adapter card 202 in afixed position with respect to the chassis 200.

Forming 806 the adapter card retainer plunger 500 may include forming808 an attachment protrusion 506 extending from the first edge 502 ofthe adapter card retainer plunger 500 and configured to slidably attachto a narrow side 116 of the plunger opening 112 of the adapter cardretainer bracket 100. In one embodiment, the attachment protrusion 506is formed 808 with a narrow neck portion 508 and a head portion 510,wherein the narrow neck portion 508 is narrower than the head portion510 of the attachment protrusion 506.

Forming 806 the adapter card retainer plunger 500 may also includeforming an engagement tab 512 extending from the first edge 502 of theadapter card retainer plunger 500 configured to engage an edge of a wideside 114 of the plunger opening 112. In one embodiment, the engagementtab 512 aligns with the attachment protrusion 506.

In operation, the adapter card retainer plunger 500 may be attached tothe adapter card retainer bracket 100 formed in the method 800 a. Theadapter card retainer bracket 100 may then be attached to the chassis200 to retain adapter cards 202 of all sizes, to distribute loads fromthe adapter card retainer bracket 100 to the support members of thechassis 200, and to provide additional structural support to thechassis.

Embodiments may be practiced in other specific forms. The describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrativeand not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicatedby the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. Allchanges which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of theclaims are to be embraced within their scope.

1. An apparatus comprising: an adapter card retainer plunger comprisinga first edge configured to removably attach to a plunger opening of anadapter card retainer bracket and a second edge configured to engage anedge of an adapter card within a chassis to securely maintain theadapter card in a substantially fixed position with respect to thechassis.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the adapter card is alow-profile adapter card.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising an attachment protrusion extending from the first edge of theadapter card retainer plunger and configured to slidably attach to anarrow side of the plunger opening of the adapter card retainer bracket,the attachment protrusion comprising a narrow neck portion and a headportion, wherein the narrow neck portion is narrower than the headportion of the attachment protrusion.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3,further comprising an engagement tab extending from the first edge ofthe adapter card retainer plunger and configured to engage an edge of awide side of the plunger opening.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, whereinthe attachment protrusion and engagement tab are configured such that ifthe adapter card retainer plunger is installed in the adapter cardretainer bracket, the attachment protrusion and engagement tab aresubstantially flush with the adapter card retainer bracket.
 6. Theapparatus of claim 4, wherein the first edge of the adapter cardretainer plunger is formed with a slit that separates the attachmentprotrusion and the engagement tab, the slit configured to enable aflexible deflection of the engagement tab.
 7. The apparatus of claim 4,wherein the engagement tab is substantially flexible with respect to theattachment protrusion such that compression of the engagement tab causesa retaining force to be applied to the edge of the wide side of theplunger opening if the adapter card retainer plunger is installed intothe adapter card retainer bracket.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe second edge of the adapter card retainer plunger is opposite thefirst edge of the adapter card retainer plunger and is configured toreach a predefined distance from the first edge of the adapter cardretainer plunger, the predefined distance corresponding to a distancefrom the adapter card retainer bracket to an edge of the adapter cardthat is nearest to the adapter card retainer bracket.
 9. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein the adapter card retainer plunger comprises aplastic material.
 10. A system comprising: an adapter card retainerbracket having a plurality of plunger openings formed therein, theadapter card retainer bracket configured to removably attach to achassis, the chassis configured to house an adapter card; and an adaptercard retainer plunger comprising a first edge configured to removablyattach to a plunger opening of the adapter card retainer bracket and asecond edge configured to engage an edge of an adapter card within achassis to securely maintain the adapter card in a substantially fixedposition with respect to the chassis.
 11. The system of claim 10,further comprising an attachment protrusion extending from the firstedge of the adapter card retainer plunger and configured to slidablyattach to a narrow side of the plunger opening of the adapter cardretainer bracket, the attachment protrusion comprising a narrow neckportion and a head portion, wherein the narrow neck portion is narrowerthan the head portion of the attachment protrusion.
 12. The system ofclaim 11, further comprising an engagement tab extending from the firstedge of the adapter card retainer plunger and configured to engage anedge of a wide side of the plunger opening, the engagement tabconfigured to align with the attachment protrusion.
 13. The system ofclaim 12, wherein the attachment protrusion and engagement tab areconfigured such that if the adapter card retainer plunger is attached tothe adapter card retainer bracket, the attachment protrusion andengagement tab are substantially flush with the adapter card retainerbracket.
 14. The system of claim 12, wherein the first edge of theadapter card retainer plunger comprises a slit that separates theattachment protrusion and the engagement tab, the slit configured toenable flexible movement of the engagement tab.
 15. The system of claim12, wherein the engagement tab is substantially flexible with respect tothe attachment protrusion such that compression of the engagement tabcauses a retaining force to be applied to the edge of the wide side ofthe plunger opening if the adapter card retainer plunger is installedinto the adapter card retainer bracket.
 16. The system of claim 10,wherein the second edge of the adapter card retainer plunger is oppositethe first edge and is configured to have a predefined distance from thefirst edge of the adapter card retainer plunger, the predefined distancecorresponding to a distance from the adapter card retainer bracket tothe edge of the adapter card.
 17. The system of claim 10, wherein thechassis has a width defined in a direction substantially orthogonal tothe adapter card retainer bracket and parallel to the installed adaptercard that is in the range of 12.5 to 13.34 centimeters
 18. A methodcomprising: forming an adapter card retainer plunger comprising a firstedge configured to removably attach to a plunger opening of an adaptercard retainer bracket and a second edge configured to engage an edge ofan adapter card within a chassis to securely maintain the adapter cardin a substantially fixed position with respect to the chassis.
 19. Themethod of claim 19, wherein the adapter card is a low-profile adaptercard.
 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the forming an adapter cardretainer plunger comprises: forming an attachment protrusion extendingfrom the first edge of the adapter card retainer plunger and configuredto slidably attach to a narrow side of the plunger opening of theadapter card retainer bracket, the attachment protrusion comprising anarrow neck portion and a head portion, wherein the narrow neck portionis narrower than the head portion of the attachment protrusion; andforming an engagement tab extending from the first edge of the adaptercard retainer plunger configured to engage an edge of a wide side of theplunger opening, the engagement tab aligning with the attachmentprotrusion.